Dive Shops in Central Virginia

[Scuba Do]

Looking for recommendations for lds in central Va. I have been popping between three, but am always looking for more. I am especially interested in training classes (I am SSI and PADI).

 

[mheaster]

I frequent Dallas Weston Dive Center in Chester.

Dallas has retired but shop has recently been purchased by Dave and Kim and they are SSI/PADI shop.

They currently have a LARGE inventory of stuff and are fairly convenient to Lake Rawlings.

See their website http://www.dallaswestondivecenter.com/

 

[DGriffin]

I'm a newbie, so I can't offer much in terms of a "breadth of experience", but a friend of mine who has her cert up to Rescue really likes Atlantis Divers. She states the new owners, Dave and Laurie, are good people and it's totally a different LDS from the previous owners.

I received my OW from them in February and also think there are good people there. Zane spent an inordinate amout of time, on multiple visits, helping me select equipment. I know it's their job, but you can certainly tell the difference between folks who 'want to help' from those who 'have to help'.

I know they are a SDI/TDI, NAUI and PADI shop. I'm not sure of any others.

Anything you don't like about the three you visit, or do you just like to bounce?

 

[vablackwater]

Where in central VA?

Dive Connections in Charlottesville: http://www.connect2diving.com/
Dive Connections Training: http://www.connect2diving.com/training.htm
SeaDevil Divers (Club via Dive Connections) http://www.seadevil.net/ - link to other local central VA divers

Send me an email if you want more info on it.

 

[mheaster]

I frequent Dallas Weston Dive Center in Chester.

Dallas has retired but shop has recently been purchased by Dave and Kim and they are SSI/PADI shop.

They currently have a LARGE inventory of stuff and are fairly convenient to Lake Rawlings.

See their website http://www.dallaswestondivecenter.com

OK, I will add a shamless plug for our club too: http://www.chesterdiveclub.com

We are a small but VERY active club of DIVERS. We don't get too wrapped up in Robert's Rules of Order and that type stuff. We primarily get together to dive but also meet once a month at a restuarant to eat,drink and talk about diving.

We are not affiliated with a particuliar Dive Shop (conscious choice) but understand the importance of and support local dive shops!

We have several Independent SCUBA Instructors (of various agencies) and almost everyone is actively progressing in education and gathering experience.

 

[RAD Diver]

Nothing shameless about that you all should be proud about what you do & it sounds like a great club where everyone no matter of experience is welcome.
I believe that the divers of the Tidewater area should come together & do the same type thing. We are all in it for the same thing. To get wet whenever & wherever possible.

 

[mheaster]

Thanks Rad

I have seen several of your psots recently and hope to run into you at Rawlings sometime.

I recently obtained a Drysuit and look to begin my season next weekend. (Sat).

 

[zackalack8999]

Atlantis Divers if you are near Chesterfield/ Richmond. Zane and Carter and Dave are all awesome.

 

[DGriffin]

Atlantis Divers if you are near Chesterfield/ Richmond. Zane and Carter and Dave are all awesome.

I concur Zack. Did you get your OW from them? Have you joined their Splash n Dash group? I wanted to go to their happy hour on Fri, but had a date instead.

I can't wait until my new equipment arrives.

 

[Scuba Do]

Wow. I did not come back to this post for some time as there were no replies for a long time. I am glad I did. I have recently discovered Atlantis, but it is not as convenient as the other two shops in Richmond. It is the largest, and so far I have liked the people. I have not tried Dallas Weston, but like that there is another SSI shop around. Thanks. Hope to run into some of y'all at Lake Rawlings.